Theresa May has highlighted Tory plans to reconvene the Board of Trade aimed at ensuring the “benefits of Brexit” are “spread equally across the UK”.
If the Conservatives win the general election, ministers will bring together leading figures in business and politics from all parts of the country to help lead trade delegations around the world to boost exports.
The party has also said it will establish a global network of new trade commissioners to drive trade policy overseas and seek inward investment.
They will be based overseas in nine different regions, determined by markets rather than national borders.
Mrs May hailed the economic opportunities of Brexit, but the SNP’s Callum McCaig branded the policy “quite frankly delusional”.
The Aberdeen South candidate added: “The Tories are still threatening a ‘no deal’ Brexit that would leave our industry, including Scotland’s world class food and drink sector, facing absolutely crippling tariffs.
“Parading Boris Johnson as your champion of diplomacy shows just how deep the delusion runs.
“Now more than ever, it is vital to have strong SNP voices standing up for Scotland.
“Only then can we stop the Tories at Westminster negotiating away Scotland’s jobs and industries.”
The Liberal Democrats’ Alistair Carmichael also criticised the proposal, calling it a “desperate attempt to apply 17th century ideas to a 21st century world”.
He added: “The Board of Trade was axed nearly 50 years ago, and now they want to bring it back.
“No number of fancy trade commissioners jetting around the world, no doubt in first class using taxpayers’ money, will save us from crippling tariffs and hour-long customs queues when we leave the single market.
“This is a yet another pointless, ill-considered policy thought up in Tory HQ to hide from the fact they are out of ideas and out of time.”
Highlighting the plan, which is in the party’s manifesto, the prime minister said: “The opportunities for our economy from Brexit are great, and I am determined the benefits of new jobs and prosperity will be spread equally across the United Kingdom – helping to build a stronger and more united country.”
International Trade Secretary Liam Fox added: “We will combine our bold and ambitious free trade vision with our commitment to strengthening the union – making sure everyone shares in the benefits of Brexit.”